…This is more of a thought rather than a match report title, but this is all I was pondering whilst waiting for a decent headline to write to start this report. I'm sure there is a stat for this on the website, but in fear of losing the match report (having got this far) I dare not exit the page and go look for it.

The M1 team hosted the high-flying Shefford and Sandy 1st team at Long Road to kick off 2017 (I should say 'push back' rather than 'kick off', considering which sport I am writing about, but it doesn't quite work in this instance). Having just been promoted to Division 1 (the division above us) they are looking like they are going to get promoted two years running, as they are presently topping that league. We were still optimistic before the game, however.

As usual, the majority of the team (minus John and Shin) had arrived nice and early before the start of the match. As there was no game before ours we had the luxury of the whole pitch to warm up on but that would be breaking the habit possessed by our returning Captain Xabi, who had the better idea of going for a run around the Tech College and using the tennis courts/overspill car park for the stretches. During this run, Rossellini ran into a pole, something I was gutted to miss out on witnessing.

The game got started and it was quickly apparent we were going to be getting a good work out. Our opponents, who had brought a fifteen man squad, consisted of young speedsters and some very experienced Prem A players (if my source is accurate with his intel). They were very well drilled and treated the game as a crucial league match, rather than a friendly. Some early pressure from the visitors led to some decent efforts at goal. However, it was the South M1 team that looked like they were going to score first with a break away one-on-one chance for Harry against their keeper. Harry chose the unselfish option and passed it for Pearson, who was arriving at the top of the D, but it was snapped up by a defender.

Shefford scored their first goal within the first five minutes through a short corner. The first shot was saved off the line by my knee, but the rebound was slotted home by another Shefford player.

The first half was tough for the home team as Shefford pile on the pressure with slick passing and interceptions. Pearson had a go at the opposition goal but this was after the whistle had been blown and it was all pointless as he ran into the D, swung, missed the ball and landed in a heap on the ground as if he had been shot.

The team talk at half time was very constructive and it was more even in the second half. The defence was more organised, with Bhav and new boy Matt Alsopp making some good passing link-ups down the wings. My aerials were OK (apart from a couple of misfires) and some excellent passing moves further up the pitch almost yielded South a consolation goal through Shin and Oli; however Shefford proved just too good for their lower league opponents.

Despite losing 5-0 the post game debrief was very positive and the M1s look forward to taking on Pelicans next weekend in the 2N league, who we beat 3-2 earlier in the season. We just need to play our game to our strengths and pace.

Oh, and this is the best voting slip I have ever seen (despite the rubbish hand writing). Thanks to whoever wrote it........

Translated:-

MOM: Colin; took one for the team and played on. Also played well
LOM: Tom: Pole, nuff said